Multi-purpose case for hair iron

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a multi-purpose case adapted for a variety uses with a hair iron. By way of example only, the case may be used in a first or open position where the case functions as a counter top pad for a hot hair iron or a second position where the case may be folded with a hot hair iron therein and used as a travel or storage case. In one embodiment, the case comprises a fabric member having an outside flame retardant backing member and an inside flame retardant backing member having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The case further comprises first and second flame retardant pouch portions attached to the second and third portions of the inside backing member. When the case is flat on a surface, a hot iron may be laid upon the outside flame retardant backing member or the inside flame retardant backing member. During non-use or travel, a hot iron may be placed in the first pouch and the third portion of the fabric member may be folded upon the second portion, and the first portion may be folded upon and removably engaged with the third portion to secure the case in a folded position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/584,360 filed on Jun. 30, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to accessories for hair irons. More particularly, the present invention relates to cases and pads used for flat hair irons.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a multi-purpose case adapted for a variety uses with a hair iron. By way of example only, the case may be used in a first or open position where the case functions as a counter top pad for a hot hair iron or a second position where the case may be folded with a hot hair iron therein and used as a travel or storage case. In one embodiment, the case comprises a fabric member having an outside flame retardant backing member and an inside flame retardant backing member having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The case further comprises first and second flame retardant pouch portions attached to the second and third portions of the inside backing member. When the case is flat on a surface, a hot iron may be laid upon the outside flame retardant backing member or the inside flame retardant backing member. During non-use or travel, a hot iron may be placed in the first pouch and the third portion of the fabric member may be folded upon the second portion, and the first portion may be folded upon and removably engaged with the third portion to secure the case in a folded position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description of the invention will be more fully understood with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top or outside plan view of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom or inside plan view of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a flat hair iron;

FIG. 4 is a cross section view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a view the showing the present invention in the folded or closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the present invention is a multi-purpose case 14 adapted for use with a hair iron 10 having an electrical cord 12. The case 14 may be used in a first or open position where it the case 10 functions as a counter top pad (FIG. 1) or a second position where it may be folded and used as a travel case (FIG. 5). The case 14 generally comprises a fabric member 16 having an outside backing layer 18, a cushion layer 20, and an inside backing layer 22. In use, a person may position the case 14 flat on an underlying surface such as a desk or table (not shown) with the inside backing layer 22 facing downward on the supporting surface. In this position, a person may place a hot iron 10 on the outside backing layer 18 without damage to the inside backing layer 22 or the underlying surface. The inside and outside backing layer 22 and 18 are each divided into first, second, third and fourth portions 24, 26, 28 and 30 by fold lines 32, 34, and 36, respectively. In the embodiment shown, the fold lines 32, 34, and 36 are sewn or otherwise stitched into the fabric member 16. The fabric member 16 may be made from any flame retardant material to allow a person to safely rest a hot hair iron during and/or after use upon the outside backing layer 18.

The case 14 further comprises a first pouch 38 attached to the second portion 26 of the inside backing layer 22 by threads or stitches 44, 46, and 48. The first pouch 38 comprises a first portion 40 adapted to store the hair iron 10 and a second portion 42 adapted to store the electrical cord 12. The first pouch 38 further comprises an opening or slit 50 for access to the first and second portions 40 and 42. The first and second portions 40 and 42 may be made from any flame retardant material to allow a person to safely store a hot hair iron 10 within the first portion 40 of the first pouch 38 during and after use, and/or when the case 14 is folded and transported.

The case 14 further comprises a second pouch 52 having a mesh webbing 54 attached to the third portion 28 by threads or stitches 56, 58, and 60, and having an open side portion 62. The mesh webbing 54 is made from any suitable flame retardant material.

The case 14 further comprises a first fastener 64 attached to the third portion 28 of the outside backing layer 18 and a second fastener 68 attached to the first portion 24 of the inside backing layer 22. Fasteners 64 and 68 may take a variety of forms such as snap and receptacle fasteners or velcro fasteners.

A person may place a hot iron within the first pouch 38 and the case 14 may be folded for storage and/or transport. To fold the case 14, the third portion 28 of inside backing layer 22 is folded upon the second portion 26 of the inside backing layer 22 along with fourth portion 30. Thereafter, the first portion 24 of the inside backing layer 22 is folded upon and removably engaged with the third portion 28 outside backing layer 18 by engagement of the second fastener 68 with the first fastener 64.

The present invention may be embodied in other variations without departing from the sprit and scope of the claims. 

1. A multi-purpose case for a hair iron having an electrical cord, the case comprising: (a) a fabric member made from a flame retardant material; said fabric member comprising outside backing layer and inside backing layer each having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion; said fabric member being operable between an open position where said fabric material is substantially flat to a closed position where said fabric material is folded; (b) a first flame retardant pouch portion attached to said second portion of said inside backing member; and (c) said third portion of said inside backing layer may be folded upon said first pouch and said second portion of said inside backing layer and said first portion of said inside backing layer may be folded upon and be removably engaged with said third portion of said outside backing layer to secure the case in said closed position.
 2. The case of claim 1, further comprising a hair iron removably engaged with said first pouch portion.
 3. The case of claim 2, further comprising a second flame retardant pouch portion attached to said third portion of said inside backing layer.
 4. The case of claim 3, further comprising a cushion layer disposed between said inside and outside backing layers. 